Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax is a Los Angeles Dodger once again, as announced by the club this morning.
Koufax, who pitched for the Dodgers from 1955-1966, played his entire career with the Dodgers organization, first in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles. His return to the club will see him serve as Special Advisor to Dodgers’ Chairman Mark Walter. Koufax will attend a portion of Spring Training to work with Dodgers’ pitchers and consult with the team throughout the year.
“The Dodgers are thrilled to have Sandy back with the organization,” Dodgers’ President and CEO Stan Kasten said. “Sandy’s experience and perspective will be invaluable as we endeavor to do everything in our power to bring the city of Los Angeles a World Series champion.”
“For our young players and our veterans to be able to tap Sandy’s expertise and counsel during Spring Training and throughout the season will provide yet another tremendous resource in our efforts to strengthen our club,” said General Manager Ned Colletti.
Koufax pitched 12 seasons and amassed a record of 165-87 with a 2.76 ERA, 2,396 strikeouts and 40 shutouts. He was also the first major league pitcher to throw four no-hitters, one of those being a perfect game, and was inducted into Hall of Fame in 1972 at age 36 - the youngest ever and first pitcher.
“I’m delighted to be back with the Dodgers,” Koufax said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with the team during Spring Training and to contributing in any way I can to help make the team a success for the fans of Los Angeles. Some of my most cherished memories came at Dodger Stadium.”
Koufax was the MVP and Cy Young Award winner in 1963 and also won Cy Young awards in 1965 and ’66. He was a member of Dodgers’ world championship teams in 1955, ’59, ’63 and ’65, earning MVP honors in 1963 and ‘65. His postseason record was 4-3 with a 0.95 ERA. He was selected to seven consecutive All-Star games from 1961-66.
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